2017 Volkswagen Amarok

Yet again, the North America market is set to miss out on a very impressive truck. The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok has been redesigned with only one intention, to take the reins at the top of the segment. Volkswagen has revamped the model in all departments including a new and more powerful V-6 engine, a first for any model in this segment.

However, yet again the model won’t be offered in North America. The ongoing Volkswagen diesel scandal makes the chances of the model ever coming to North America nonexistent. The automaker has consistently refined the pickup which is offered as a double-cab to its status that can now rival any model in this segment. Read along to find out more:

2017 Volkswagen Amarok Exterior

The exterior has received a mild upgrade to align it with the automaker’s current design language. The front features a new bumper as well as revised air vents. The vehicle also features a new grille which is flanked by bi-xenon headlights and LED DRLs.

Actually, the front end has been redesigned to look like the latest Volkswagen SUVs. The Amarok front fascia mimics that of the Tiguan SUV. At the rear, the vehicle features LED taillights. Other features include LED-lit side sills and a new sports bar. The model rides on a new set of 20-inch wheels.

2017 Volkswagen Amarok Interior

Inside is where Volkswagen has turned thing up. The cabin has been tuned to offer the comfort and convenience common with crossover SUVs. The cabin features new seats which the automaker refers to as “ergo-comfort” seats.

These seats have been recognized by the German orthopedic association. At the front, the seats are 14-way power adjustable which offers a high level of comfort. In the top trim, these seats are wrapped in Nappa leather.

The cabin also features an HD infotainment system which features voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and up to four 12V power outlet for charging various gadgets. There is also a 3D instrument cluster display, paddles shifter mounted on the steering wheel and mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission and stainless steel pedals.

The steering wheel also features a number of button controls. The cabin also offered with an optional Light and Sight package which adds an attractive illumination to the cabin as well as HID headlights to improve visibility in dimly lit terrains.

For safety, the truck comes with a parking assist with a rearview camera and post-collision mitigation system for the top trim.

Engine Specs and performance

It is such a pity that the Amarok won’t be offered in the states. Volkswagen has equipped the Amarok with a more powerful engine. The truck features a new 3.0 L, V-6 TDI diesel engine. The engine is rated at 221 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This presents a whopping 43 hp and 95 lb-ft increase from the outgoing 2.0 TDI.

Power will be channeled to either the rear wheels or all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission system. A 4Motion AWD system will also be offered as an option.

This engine pushes the truck to run from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 120 mph. The power hike enables the new truck to tow 5000 kg up from 3,500 kg in the outgoing models which now matches its competitors.

In fact, the Amarok is the only truck that is powered by a V-6 engine in this segment. There will be other less powerful engines. The least powerful engine will produce 161 hp. These engines will be offered with RWD and a 6-speed manual transmission system.

Price and release date

The Amarok will first go on sale in Germany in September of 2016. The truck has a starting price of €25.720 for the RWD double-cab. The top-of-the range double cab 4Motion AWD cab attracts €46,525.

Competition

With the new improvements, it will be no surprise if the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok unseats the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 from the top of this segment.